On June 27, 2025, National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture Network, organized the 11th international seminar on “Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture” (SAFE-2025) to continue its mission of promoting cooperation, innovation and global awareness of sustainability issues.

A view of the seminar

External delegates attending the series of events included Ance Maylany Napitupulu, Economic Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi; Prof. Dr. M. Ridha Ajam, M. Hum, Rector of Khairun University (Indonesia); Prof. Dr. Novizar Nazir, SAFE Network Coordinator, Andalas University (Indonesia); Prof. Dr. Hanilyn Hidalgo, CBSUA University (Philippines), SAFE Network Coordinator; Prof. Dr. Ravindra C. Joshi, SAFE Network Coordinator for the Pacific Islands; Prof. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Faculty of Science, Putra University (Malaysia); Prof. Dr. Mangala CS de Silva, Faculty of Zoology, University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka); Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Kafle and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Thi Thu Dung, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan); Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Bich, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); Dr. Surya Kant Shrivasta, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vidyalaya, Raipur University (India); Prof. Dr. Manoj KS Chhangani, Government Meera Girls’ College (India); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Endang Warsiki, IPB University (Indonesia); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavalee Chompoorat Tridtitanakiat, Chiang Mai University (Thailand); and more than 70 other international delegates from India, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Scientific and Training Council; Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha, Rector of the School of Economics and Public Management; Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies; along with leadership representatives from the University’s schools, departments, faculties, institutes and centers, as well as scientists, faculty and staff, and students.

The 11th international seminar on “Sustainable Energy, Food and Agriculture” (SAFE-2025) is an important forum for researchers, practitioners and policymakers to share and discuss innovative strategies, emerging technologies and transformative solutions to global sustainable development challenges. With the growing impacts of climate change, population growth and resource scarcity, the urgent need for integrated and sustainable approaches to agriculture, food systems and energy production has never been greater. SAFE2025 adopts an interdisciplinary approach, inviting contributions at the intersections of science, technology, the environment, economics and society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU University Council, delivers the opening remarks at the seminar

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho emphasized the event’s importance as a respected academic forum connecting domestic and international scientists, experts and policymakers to share and exchange innovative solutions for sustainable development. The Associate Professor and Chair of the University Council also affirmed that the themes selected for this year’s program—including sustainable agriculture, food security, the renewable energy transition, emission reductions toward Net Zero, and climate change adaptation—all reflect urgent global challenges and call for integrated, interdisciplinary and feasible solutions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho particularly emphasized that NEU is committed to working alongside and providing strong support for these strategic research directions. The University considers this part of its social responsibility and pioneering role in providing a scientific basis for policymaking, promoting innovation and contributing to national and global sustainable development goals.

On behalf of the University leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho also expressed his thanks and acknowledged the positive contributions of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies. He highly valued the Faculty’s role as a focal point for connecting international partners, conducting numerous research activities and organizing in-depth conferences on current global issues. In particular, the themes of energy, agriculture and sustainable development being discussed in today’s program clearly demonstrate the Faculty’s dynamism, creativity and commitment to contributing to the overall development of the University and society.

Ance Maylany Napitupulu, Economic Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi, delivers remarks

Speaking at the SAFE-2025 opening ceremony, Ance Maylany Napitupulu, Economic Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi, warmly welcomed the participating delegates and emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to promoting cooperation in education, research and knowledge transfer between Indonesia and Vietnam. The Embassy representative affirmed that SAFE-Network vividly demonstrates the strong and effective partnership among universities, research institutes and the governments of the two countries, particularly as the region and the world face serious challenges related to climate change, food security and the energy transition. Ance Maylany Napitupulu expressed strong support for the efforts to enhance interdisciplinary cooperation and share technologies and innovative solutions that this year’s seminar seeks to advance. She also affirmed that the Indonesian Embassy would continue to work alongside, support and facilitate the further expansion of practical cooperation programs for the sustainable development of both countries and the ASEAN region.

Prof. Dr. Novizar Nazir, SAFE Network Coordinator, Andalas University (Indonesia)

Prof. Dr. Novizar Nazir, SAFE Network Coordinator, provided an overview of the SAFE Network and previous seminars held in various countries. Prof. Novizar Nazir emphasized that SAFE-Network’s mission is to build a strong platform for academic cooperation to share knowledge, technologies and innovative solutions among countries in the region. He affirmed the importance of connecting universities and research institutes to jointly address global challenges such as food security, sustainable agricultural development and the energy transition. Prof. Novizar Nazir expressed confidence that the SAFE-2025 seminar would create more opportunities for practical cooperation while strengthening the shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for the ASEAN community.

Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies at NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the opening session, Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, warmly welcomed the delegates, speakers and international partners attending the SAFE-2025 seminar. He emphasized the program’s significance as an open and substantive scientific forum for sharing ideas, research findings and practical experiences in sustainable development. He also affirmed the Faculty’s commitment to serving as a focal point for cooperation, promoting interdisciplinary research and supporting efforts toward sustainable development goals in Vietnam and the region.

Delegates pose for a group photo at the seminar

Following the opening and welcome remarks, the morning plenary session of the SAFE-2025 seminar continued with a series of keynote presentations by respected professors, scholars with doctoral degrees and experts from Vietnam and abroad. The presentations focused on highly topical and practical issues concerning sustainable development, innovation and climate change adaptation. Topics ranged from the role of universities in empowering sustainable development and innovation (Prof. Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin) and renewable energy applications in agricultural product processing (Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Bich) to Net Zero goals and climate-compatible growth in Vietnam (Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam).

The presentations also broadened international and interdisciplinary perspectives, reflecting a spirit of cross-border cooperation and learning. Topics included environmental health on tropical islands (Prof. Dr. Mangala C.S. de Silva), the role of honeybees in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation (Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Kafle), insect–climate interactions (Dr. Surya Kant Shrivasta), and a data-driven approach to mapping sustainable development and the circular economy in India (Prof. Dr. Manoj K.S. Chhangani). The presentations provided a comprehensive picture and important insights for promoting research cooperation, sharing experiences and seeking practical solutions to global challenges related to energy, food, agriculture and climate change.

That afternoon, seven lively parallel discussion sessions featured more than 70 presentations on the seminar’s themes. While the parallel sessions continued, another important event took place: the signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between National Economics University (NEU) and Khairun University (Indonesia).

A view of the signing ceremony

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, warmly welcomed the delegation from Khairun University and described the occasion as an important first step in cooperation between the two universities. Prof. Dr. M. Ridha Ajam, M. Hum, Rector of Khairun University, also expressed his deep appreciation for this connection and shared his expectations for close cooperation in the coming period.

Prof. Dr. Ridha Ajam, M. Hum, Rector of Khairun University (Indonesia), delivers remarks

Leaders of NEU and Khairun University (Indonesia) jointly sign an MOU

The Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies at NEU signs an MOU on cooperation with the SAFE Network

Immediately following the signing ceremony between the two universities, the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies at NEU also signed an MOU on cooperation with the SAFE Network. This event marked a formal step in cooperation, opening up many new opportunities in research, training and practical applications, particularly in areas related to the environment and sustainable development.

Also as part of the series of events, before the seminar began, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council at NEU, and leaders of functional units held a cordial reception for Ance Maylany Napitupulu, Economic Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy, and the keynote speakers of the SAFE 2025 seminar.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho expressed his delight that the seminar had brought together many experts from different universities across the region to discuss essential issues such as sustainable energy, agriculture and food. Ance Maylany Napitupulu also expressed her pleasure at the development of ties among universities in academic activities, scientific research and practical applications.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council at NEU, welcomes delegates

The series of events held at NEU not only affirmed the University’s pioneering role in scientific research and training but also strengthened and expanded international cooperation, contributing to regional and global development in sustainable energy, agriculture and food.

Additional photos from the seminar:

Article and photos: Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.